Expanse: The City Reboot (Dark Fantasy Epic) Main Thread (Open, Started)

[Evrant-Knight]

The Dean's Mansion (Bedroom) - Tinsdal

"Good night then you two." Vergil said, watching Lorel and Katelyn exit the bedroom whilst the Vessel was playing something on her harp to help her sleep. The flames for the fire still burned brightly, lighting up the features that made his face. The Vessel soon fell asleep, her harp clutched in a hand.

"The sounds that harp plays, are as beautiful as the one who plays them." He remarked, yawning briefly, getting out of his chair. Before he could sleep however, there came a knock at the door. Vergil went to investigate, discovering that it was the maid with the tea. He politely asked for her to be quiet, as to not to disturb the Vessel sleeping. She soon left, leaving the pair alone once more.

Vergil quietly drank the tea, whilst he made sure that the Vessel was comfortable in her slumber. First he pulled the duvet up, then placed his coat over her, keeping her nice and warm. He then carefully removed the musical instrument from her fingers, placing it on a nearby table. Finally, he adjusted the pillows so they were softer.

"Don't worry Vessel, I'm here to make sure your safe. Should you need me, you only have to ask. I'll be sitting by the fire, so I'm close. Goodnight Vessel, have pleasant dreams." Vergil said with a smile, as he sat back down in his chair, drifting off to sleep.

Meanwhile...

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Kristina Kerrigan - District Streets Near The Main Gate - Tinsdal

"Alright then, and don't you worry Sir, I wouldn't want to deprive a man of his drink." Kristina remarked in a slightly sarcastic tone. It was then that here retinue began to change formation, realising what they'd have to do.

"Hope you don't mind, but these people that accompanied me, are going to act as protection. After all, even in the heart of the North, there are still unsavoury characters lurking within the shadows; all too willing to ambush people walking the streets at night." She said, and then began to walk.

"And so it begins." Kristina thought to herself.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

The Dean's Mansion (Bedroom) - Tinsdal

Despite being asleep, he could still feel the warm glow of the fire, its flames bringing a pale orange glow to the room. As far as he could tell, the bedroom was quiet. Suddenly, his slumber was disturbed, as he could feel someone holding on to him. Vergil opened his eyes, and saw it was the Vessel hugging him.

"Hold me." The Vessel said quietly, sounding a bit scared. Vergil responded in kind. His right arm he put round the Vessel, whilst with his left he used to hook under her legs, resting them on his lap, her feet dangling over the chair's armrest. Vergil then smiled.

"There, that comfy enough for you?" He asked quietly. "Take it you had a bad dream?" He then added.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

The Dean's Mansion (Bedroom) - Tinsdal

"It alright for comfiness, although it got better with you around." Vergil remarked at an attempt to appear charming.

"Although, I'm happy to get up, and sleep in a proper bed. Will probably get a better nights rest anyway, considering what we'll probably get up to over the next few days." He then added, as Vergil stood up, still holding onto the Vessel, as he carried her over to the bed from which she awoke from. Vergil first settled the Vessel down in bed, making sure she was comfortable enough; before removing his boots and joining her. He then held her in his arms.

"Good night." He said, before drifting off into slumber.

 

[ServebotFrank]

Kain Whitestroke-Aurora Safe-house-Tinsdal

Since his encounter behind Mako's Bar, Kain has been doing a combination of research and sleep. Half the research involved the escapades of Vergil and what exactly his little group is and the other half was for any recent developments for a cure for his ailment. Rumors suggested a doctor in the deep South but it's another mission for another time. Now he has to concentrate on his current assignment; gain the group's trust or kill them.

Considering a cure could be close, I probably could kill them. The thought crossed Kain's mind numerous times while he poured into the notes and detailed accounts from bribed witnesses and observances. "Fuck this!" The papers scattered throughout the dimly lit basement which brightened in Kain's anger. "These damn grunts haven't accomplished anything! Useless! I'll have to infiltrate the Dean's mansion and butcher the whole lot! That thief's eyes and his group are the bane of this whole operation! I'll cut out his eyes!" Kain bellowed. His frustration with the lack of progress and his embarrassment with previous night's failure fueled his rage. The cursed arm pulsated with each syllable of his rant and expanded across the whole arm. His arm became black and scaled. He felt both powerful and weak. He felt as if he could break a wall with his bare hands but his arm felt crushed under the weight of the skin. He collapsed to the floor and fumbled his left hand on the desk for his potion vial. He felt the smooth touch of glass and poured the contents down his throat. He felt the the curse recede and the arm was normal again, with the exception that the skin on his armed was burned off.

Marne heard the commotion from above and brought Kain to the healer they brought with them. Unfortunately the most he was able to do was heal Kain to the point that his skin became scabbed. The arm was bandaged and has Kain lay down on a couch in the safehouse, he motioned Marne over. "Crawford's eyes. Can you use your illusion magic to block it so we can infiltrate the Mansion?" Marne smiled, "Absolutely. I can have it ready tomorrow."

 

[FinalDream]

Katelyn Verneer - The Dean's Estate - Tinsdal

When she woke in the morning in the light streaming through the open window she rubbed her eyes and gazed out across the skyline of the estate. The storm that had stalked the night like some terrible beast had vanished across the mountains leaving behind a cold and pale sky. She dropped her head back onto the pillow and wiped the remaining sleep from her eyes, there had been so much running through her mind last night that it had felt good to sleep. Pulling herself from the soft comfort of the bed she dressed and headed out to find some breakfast before she would lead the group to the hidden entrance of the Overwatch. She grinned. She couldn?t wait to see the look on her mothers face when she would arrive with them.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Kristina Kerrigan - Along The District Streets (The Dean's Crypt) - Tinsdal

The rain had let up a little as Kristina, her retinue, and the two Mage Hunters walked the still soaked streets of Tinsdal. On this early leg of the tour, there hadn't been that many interesting sights to talk about, save from some popular places to eat and shop for various items. As soon as it came into view though; she could see the gleaming white marble that made up the Dean's Crypt take shape. Out by the front gates, stood a small squadron of guards, given the duty of protecting the caskets of past Deans'. The area was reasonably well lit, which made it easier to find a spot to begin this guided tour.

"Now then, here we have the Dean's crypt; it was built in 4820, after the first Dean of a united North, Amarthis Klau died, and serves as a testament to the North's peacefulness, but also because we have had a lack of any bad rulers. Along with their body, a record of the Dean's history and accomplishments are also stored here. So far, over the 27 previous Deans that we have had, not a single one has refused to be buried here."

"Whilst it may not appear to be very large on the inside, that is because the structure itself goes far into the ground with many levels. Unfortunately, due to the historical nature of this site, and the fact that it is night-time, we are currently unable to actually go into the Crypt itself at the moment. However, from what I've seen, its certainly impressive, and sad in some cases."

 

[Evrant-Knight]

The Dean's Mansion (Bedroom) - Tinsdal

Vergil was still sound asleep when morning came, and barely noticed or heard Julie and Emile enter the room. However, his eyes began to flicker into life when he heard a gentle tune being played, "The Vessel must be awake then." Vergil thought to himself, as he started sitting up. When Vergil yawned, it was quiet, as so not to disturb the sound of Vessel playing, and looked out the window. Skies had cleared, and glorious sunlight was coming in through the windows. He then turned to the Vessel, Julie, and Emile.

"Morning ladies, glad to see your up nice and early; and looking as beautiful as ever if I might add." Vergil remarked with a pleasant air about him, obviously enjoying the rest he received in bed, stretching his arms out afterwards. He then looked and Emile with a calm expressiom on his face.

"How are you then Emile? Better after what happened?" He asked in a friendly manner.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

The Dean's Mansion (Bedroom) - Tinsdal

"Well Emile, its good to see that your feeling good, it shows that I was able to do something positive for the world. As to how I know your mother, well I met her through the Vessel here." Vergil remarked, gesturing towards the Vessel, who still held on to her harp.

"Whilst in the beginning, your mother and I were on neutral terms as it were; but we eventually became friends, due to sharing a common interest, isn't that right Julie?" Vergil asked Julie, before returning to Emile.

"And before I forget Emile, the name is Vergil, Vergil Crawford." Vergil remarked, holding out a hand towards Emile, with the intention of a handshake.

 

[FinalDream]

Katelyn Verneer - The Dean's Estate - Tinsdal


She had slept well and smiled, she had wanted to wake early this morning and catch sight of the sun, nothing more than a pale orb, rising above the sprawling horizon of buildings. With the Overwatch base of operations underground she had grown tired of waking to the sight of a stone wall. She had however decided to sleep in a little and allow herself to indulge in the luxury of the room. It had been worth it, she felt good, really good, enough to smile and these days she had little to smile about.

All traces of the storm had vanished but the ground remained frosted and hard with a chill carried on the faint wind. As a girl of the south Katelyn felt it more than most. Her clothes had been washed overnight and she was surprised to find that the maid had decided to return the hidden blades. The morning sun streamed through the open windows as she walked down the corridor towards the kitchen and dinning room and its warmth felt good on her skin. After the bitter cold of last nights storm it seemed as if the North had found a reprise from the bad weather. At least for now. Wisps of cloud where forming in the pale blue sky and it seemed sure to bring a light snowfall.

Katelyn tried to ignore the maid as she entered the dining room but the woman was making things difficult with a barrage of questions around the type of food she liked to eat. In the end she settled for her favorite meal in the North, especially given the lack of southern comforts, a simple plate of cold, sliced ham with freshly cooked eggs, and a steaming pot of tea to accompany it. On a whim she decided to add toast and politely added to the maid to serve it hot with lashings of fresh butter. She declined the glass of fresh juice. Maybe back home in the south where the juice was truly fresh, but little of value grew here in the cold climate for the likes of juice.

She ate in silence, at the back of the room, at a large round table with the sunlight spilling on her back. It seemed the guests and family living in the estate preferred a later hour to rise as no cutlery had been prepared and she got the distinct impression she had caught the staff off-guard. Her meal was excellent, though she had expected no less, and Kate turned her attention to the view through the tall windows that lined the wall behind her. It would be a good day, she had that feeling. Now all she had to do was wait for the others to rise.

It seemed another pot of tea would be needed for the wait.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

The Dean's Mansion (Bedroom) - Tinsdal

Vergil watched as the Vessel left the room, taking her harp with her, as she left to meet Katelyn. That left just himself, Emile, and Julie in the room; he noticed the fire was out, must of gone during the night. He then returned his gaze to Emile. After shaking hands for a few moments, he spoke.

"Hmm, thats an interesting question Emile, who was that man. Honestly, I cannot think of a response that is appropriate; he was an enigma, a man with a strange power to create fear in people, to make them lose hope. Even I fell foul to his strange machinations. As to how I feel Julie, a lot better after a good nights sleep, next to someone I care about. The injuries I sustained, they feel distant now, as if they were never there." Vergil remarked casually, crossing his legs as he thought things over.

"I take it your feeling better as well Julie?" He then asked, showing a slight hint of concern.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

The Dean's Mansion (Bedroom) - Tinsdal

"That sounds fun you two, I'd probably enjoy it. But not right now, you see one of our own is missing. Its Scarlett in case you already didn't know, she's disappeared, possibly even kidnapped; she vanished after the first encounter with the mysterious man at the Morning Light Inn." Vergil remarked with a saddened tone.

"Although, the two incidents are disconnected, for that I am certain." He then added, sounding more determined now.

"Perhaps after we find her, we can spend some time. Does that sound okay?" Vergil then asked, hoping that they would agree.

 

[FinalDream]

Katelyn Verneer - The Dean's Estate - Tinsdal


With the long and rather ornate silver spoon she stirred the leaves floating in the porcelain pot, infusing them with the steaming water, and closed her eyes as she inhaled the rising vapors. Tapping the spoon on the side to remove any excess drops she replaced the strainer and lid and caught sight of someone approaching the table. She looked at the spoon and placed it down alongside the cup.

?"I figured I own you some thanks. How are you holding up?"?

Kate looked up and wrapped her hands around the warm cup.

?Oh?? She paused. ?I?m holding up ok I guess.?

 

[Evrant-Knight]

The Dean's Mansion (Bedroom) - Tinsdal

"Of course we will, you two just take care is all. Don't you worry, I'm sure at some point, we'll get to spend some time." Vergil remarked with a smile as he got up from the bed, and noticed that a maid had cleaned his clothes from the night before. So he grabbed them from off a chair, and got changed in the bathroom. He soon came out, and headed towards the door, before turning to Julie and Emile.

"It was a pleasure to meet you Miss Emile. You certainly have your mother's elegant looks. Anyway, I must meet up with the others to discuss a plan of action. Hope to see you two later." Vergil said with a kind look, as he left the room, and began walking to the dining room, where hopefully, Vessel and Katelyn were.

He soon arrived at the dining room, where upon he was greeted by a maid who asked him what he wanted; he settled upon a stack of pancakes and a glass of orange juice, enjoying the food here the last time. Vergil soon found Katelyn and the Vessel, who were sitting at the table.

"Hello ladies, and a good morning to you too Katelyn. I trust you had a pleasant nights sleep?"